How to Become a Temporary Works Coordinator
A Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is responsible for managing, and overseeing, temporary works on construction sites. Temporary works refer to any structures or systems that are needed to facilitate construction, but are not part of the permanent build. These typically include scaffolding, formwork, falsework, and excavation supports.
The role of a Temporary Works Coordinator is to ensure that these structures are planned, designed, installed, maintained, and dismantled safely. This involves working closely with designers, contractors, and site supervisors to ensure all temporary works comply with all relevant industry regulations.
In today’s blog, we’ll be looking at how you can become a Temporary Works Coordinator, the differences between a coordinator and a temporary works supervisor, and why this position is so crucial to construction sites.
How Do You Become a Temporary Works Coordinator?
Becoming a Temporary Works Coordinator requires industry experience, technical knowledge, and the appropriate training. While there are no strict legal qualifications for obtaining the role, most employers will be looking for candidates to have completed a Temporary Works Coordinator training course.
First and foremost, though, you’re going to need demonstrable experience in construction, engineering, or site management. Many Temporary Works Coordinators are promoted from roles such as site supervisors, project managers, or engineers.
The Temporary Works Coordinator training course tends to be an essential step in becoming qualified for the role. This course covers everything, from legal responsibilities and risk management, to the practical aspects of designing and dismantling temporary works. The course is completed online in just two days (either over two weekdays or over one weekend, if you take the course via CST Training), and is accredited by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board).
Is a Temporary Works Coordinator the Same As a Temporary Works Supervisor?
While the roles of Temporary Works Coordinator and Temporary Works Supervisor are closely related, they’re not the same position. Both roles play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of temporary works, but their responsibilities usually differ.
A Temporary Works Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and managing the entire process of temporary works on-site. This includes planning, risk assessments, approvals, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The Coordinator would be the main point of contact for any matters relevant to temporary work.
A Temporary Works Supervisor, on the other hand, tends to work directly under the guidance of the Temporary Works Coordinator. Their focus would be more so on the day-to-day supervision of temporary works. The Supervisor ensures that temporary works are installed correctly, monitors progress, and would report any issues or concerns to the Coordinator.
In short, the Coordinator would have a higher level of responsibility, ensuring the overall management of temporary works, while the Supervisor would have a more hands-on role in overseeing work on the ground.
Why are Temporary Works Coordinators So Important in the Construction Industry?
The role of a Temporary Works Coordinator is critical to maintaining safety, and efficiency, in construction projects. Temporary works are often essential to a project’s success, but without proper management, they can pose serious risks to workers- and the public.
By ensuring that all temporary works are designed, implemented, and dismantled safely, the Coordinator is reducing the likelihood of accidents and structural failures, as well as costly delays. The Coordinator also ensures that all legal requirements are being met, protecting the organisation from potential liabilities.
Construction projects tend to involve fairly complex temporary works, and without a dedicated coordinator, there would ultimately be a greater risk of miscommunication, and a greater risk of oversight. The Temporary Works Coordinator acts as the link between designers, site managers, and contractors, ensuring that everyone is working in full alignment with the project plan.
What Are the Legal Responsibilities of a Temporary Works Coordinator?
A Temporary Works Coordinator needs to ensure that all temporary works comply with UK health and safety regulations. Under CDM 2015, employers have a legal duty to manage risks associated with temporary works, and the Coordinator plays a key role in fulfilling this obligation.
One of the main responsibilities is to ensure that all temporary works are designed by a competent person, and properly checked before installation. This involves reviewing technical drawings, approving designs, and ensuring that the right safety measures have been put in place.
The Coordinator is also responsible for risk assessments. Before work on any temporary works begins, they would be identifying potential hazards, and ensuring appropriate control measures are being implemented. This includes checking load-bearing capacities, assessing weather conditions, and verifying that all equipment is suitable for use.
Another legal responsibility is ensuring that temporary works are regularly inspected once they’ve been constructed. It would be the Coordinator’s job to organise site inspections, and address any safety concerns that might arise. Once the temporary works are no longer needed, the Coordinator would then be responsible for ensuring their dismantling is both safe, and timely.
Failure to properly manage temporary works can result in serious legal consequences- that can include fines, and even prosecution. That’s why it’s essential that Temporary Works Coordinators have the right training, and experience- it means they can carry out their duties effectively.
What Skills and Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Successful Temporary Works Coordinator?
To be an effective Coordinator, you need a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and strong communication abilities.
A deep understanding of temporary works design and risk management is essential. You’d need to be able to confidently interpret technical drawings, assess structural integrity, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Knowledge of CDM 2015 regulations and other relevant construction regulations, is also vital.
Strong communication is another key skill that’s inherently necessary for any Coordinator. You’d be working closely with designers, site managers, engineers, and contractors, so the ability to clearly convey information and coordinate teams is essential.
As well as the TWC course, many employers will want candidates to have additional health and safety qualifications, including a NEBOSH certificate, or SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) certification.
Benefits of the Role
Taking on the role of a Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) can be highly rewarding, both professionally and personally. First and foremost, the position comes with considerable responsibility, making it an excellent choice for those looking to advance their careers in construction or engineering. Coordinators play a vital part in ensuring site safety, which can lead to a strong sense of accomplishment, knowing their work directly prevents accidents and keeps workers safe.
Additionally, being a Coordinator often involves both leadership and problem-solving responsibilities, both of which are highly transferable skills. The expertise gained in this position can also pave the way for further career growth, in senior site management roles or specialist consultancy positions.
Common Challenges Faced by Coordinators
Like any role in the construction industry, acting as a Coordinator comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is balancing competing priorities on-site. Temporary works need to be carefully coordinated to ensure that they’re in full alignment with the overall project plan, while meeting any strict deadlines.
Another frequent challenge is ensuring compliance with complex health and safety regulations. Coordinators need to stay updated on legislation, and ensure all team members are following best practices, at all times. Dealing with unpredictable conditions, such as adverse weather, further adds to the complexities of the role, making adaptability another crucial skill.
Tips for Excelling in the Role
If you’re going to succeed in your role as Coordinator, you’ll need to take a proactive approach. Start by building strong relationships with everyone involved that will be involved with the temporary works. Communication is key when it comes to addressing issues before they have time to escalate. Take the initiative in terms of keeping your health and safety knowledge up to date, particularly via training courses.
Time management is another essential skill. Develop an organised system for monitoring tasks, risk assessments, and inspections. Ensure regular site visits to catch potential hazards as early as possible, and keep a detailed log of every stage of the temporary works process.
The Future of Temporary Works Coordination
The importance of Temporary Works Coordinators is only set to grow as the construction industry evolves. With increasing demand for sustainable and innovative construction methods, temporary works are becoming more and more complex. Coordinators will need to adapt, by adopting new technologies like digital design tools, and real-time monitoring systems.
The emphasis on health and safety is also likely to rise, with stricter regulations and higher standards being implemented. This means the role of Coordinator will become increasingly critical in mitigating risks, and ensuring efficiency.
Conclusion
The role of Temporary Works Coordinator is essential to maintaining safety, efficiency, and success in construction projects. While the position can be challenging, its rewards- ranging from career growth to personal fulfilment- make it a highly appealing choice for industry professionals. By developing the necessary skills and remaining consistently committed to excellence, Coordinators can make a significant impact on any construction-related project.
If you still have any questions regarding the TWC course, then do not hesitate to get in touch.
Phone – 020 3488 4472
